BASF to stop producing lead chromate pigments by end of 2014

20 February 2012 16:01[Source: ICIS news]

LONDON (ICIS)--BASF will stop producing lead chromate pigments by the end of 2014 and focus its attention on the production and marketing of alternative products, the Germany-based chemicals major said on Monday.

The company produces lead chromate pigments exclusively at its site in Besigheim, Germany. BASF said this is where future production of alternative products will be developed.

From May 2015, it will no longer be permitted to put lead chromate pigments into circulation without approval under the European chemicals regulation Reach, BASF said.

“We have for years been in the possession of a large portfolio of organic and inorganic pigments that represent excellent alternatives to lead chromate pigments,” said Stefan Sutterlin, head of business management for pigments in ?xml:namespace>Europe.

However, BASF said as a 100% substitution for lead-containing pigments does not exist, customers have so far resisted change.

"We are going to assist our customers, if they want us to, with the changeover," said Joachim Strassner, European head of marketing for industrial & decorative coatings pigments.

“This means that we will help them plan their exit strategy, agree on the quantities that are to be phased out and the technical changeover,” he added.